The Quest for "it"

80th Annual Academy Awards Viewing Party Hosted by Derek & Daniel Koch with Devorah Rose

                         Hey!

Well let it be said that Oscar viewing parties can be just as swank as the actual Academy Awards themselves.  The New York social scene, normally hopping with annual Oscars viewing soirees, was a bit quiet this year.  However, there was one diamond in rough event that may sparkle on and on in the future given by Derek and Daniel Koch, Managing Partners of hot spot Jour Et Nuit along with social Devorah Rose. The invite read that attendees were to enjoy an evening that included a prixe fix dinner*** IE: Asparagus soup with Lobster Ravioli and lemon Mousse , Tilapia Provencale and Creme Caramel, a viewing of A Pair of Hearts (a film short produced by the two twins) and of course the viewing of the Oscars.

Upon arrival attendees were privy to a particularly cozy setup in the venue's primary dining room. Several of New York City's hip and social**** were dressed to the nines, taking prime seats around  the large plasma screen set to show the evenings festivities. Hosts Derek and Daniel Koch attended to every whim of distinguished guests while hostess Devorah Rose spoke happily, yet cautiously into a wide lens camera.  It seems a majority of the evening was being captured, in living color, by a video crew for a major upcoming TV production featuring Ms. Rose.  While we cannot reveal what network the footage may or may not appear on, it is safe to say that those in attendance were privy to a fairly historical happening.   Attendees sipped on wine and smiled for the cameras before the lights dimmed.

The initial on screen viewing was of A Pair of Hearts, a recent 15 minute film short, produced by Derek and Daniel Koch, starring Derek (see photo at left) and Daniel Koch.  The film surrounded the illness of one of the brothers based on a congenital heart defect, a gripping reality for many in our society. While attendees anticipated the outcome the hour drew closer to the start time of the awards show. By the time of the film's end there were but 40 minutes to go and celebs were still walking the red carpet in Los Angeles. The screen returned to the Awards pre-show and the roar the of red carpet arrivals and celebs waving to fans as they entered the Kodak Theater. Guests at this viewing event slowly began to read there menus and make selections.

The Quest for "it" slowly departed at this point but not before saying goodbye to the evening's hosts and getting one more glimpse of the exquisite room set for the very momentous occasion. Only a little more than an hour left before the first presenter would say, " and the Oscar goes to"....

***-Additional Prixe Fixe offerings included: Wild Mushroom Pancetta Risotto with spinach & truffle, Hanger Steak with caramelized Cipollini onions, Boulangere Potato and Bourdelaise sauce etc...

****-hip and social included: Montgomery Frazier, Kristian Laliberte, Annabel Vartanian, Kim Bates, Morten Davidsen, Designer Nicole Romano, Rich Thomas and Actor Teddy G. among others

*photos by The Quest for "it"

 

The Quest for "It" -- Oscar 2008 Wrap Up

The red carpet for the 2008 Oscars saw a very focused mix of red and black floor length gowns worn by the biggest names in Hollywood. The notables donning red? 2007 Oscar Winner Helen Mirren (Georges Chakra), Actress Anne Hathaway (Marchesa), and most effortlessly Supermodel Hedi Klum in a  runway-ready Galiano.  Notables in black, or near black were  2004/2006 Oscar Winner Hilary Swank (Versace), Actress Penelope Cruz (Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel Haute Couture), and a very refreshing Actress Jennifer Garner in Oscar de La Renta.

Oscar Exclusive: Style Spotlight

However, the REAL red carpet draw this year? The Bling! Dripping in diamond and other exquisite jewelry at every turn were the celebs that dared to shine. To follow is a list of what many eyes did not spy on the red carpet, but we DID...read on....

Harry Winston

Anne Hathaway (Oscar Presenter) in Harry Winston, 10-carat diamond cushion-cut, micro-pave drop earrings; valued at more than $1 million. Harry Winston, diamond set-in platinum cross-over ring, featuring more than 60 brilliant cut diamonds.

Others include: Director Joe Drumwright, Actress Jamie King

Swarovski

Marion Cotillard (La Vie en Rose) carried Daniel Swarovski’s white Lana long box clutch.

Ruby Dee (American Gangster) selected a vintage gold crystal clutch by Daniel Swarovski

Others include: Faye Dunaway, Kelly Preston, Adrienne Frantz, Nancy O'Dell, Shaun Robinson

*photo from lester Cohen, Wire Image

Wrap Up

The 80th Annual Academy Awards may most easily go down as one of the most artsy takes on the Oscars ceremony ever. Why? With all four of the top acting trophies going to European actors and several of the Red Carpet walkers not being the big-name box office draws much of the public is used to--artsy seems to be a "fitting description."  Highlights of the ceremony lie in moments such as the brief, but gripping acceptance speech of Best Actress Winner Marion Cotillard.  In a very  sweet French accent, Ms. Cotillard ended by saying, "Well, I'm speechless now. I -- I -- well, I -- thank you life, thank you love, and it is true, there is some angels in this city. Thank you so, so much."

Comedic Host Jon Stewart was back in rare form after skipping a year of hosting.  A bit more cautious with his comments, given the somber tone of the house, he did an excellent job as always.  Performances by Kristen Chenowith Enchanted and others singing "That's How You Know" from the movie along with Marlon Saunders was touching; as was Jamia Simone Nash's "Raise It Up" from August Rush accompanied by IMPACT Repertory Theater of Harlem headed by Jamal Joseph.

Didn't catch the ceremony? Get the highlights now on You Tube. That's right the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences has stepped things up with a branded Oscar channel featuring Academy Awards® show highlights and exclusive video interviews with members from each of the Academy’s branches. Participants include Quincy Jones, Alfred Molina, Sidney Poitier and John Travolta.

As always, looking forward to next year....

*photos from Steve Granitz, Wire Image

FIRST LOOK PHOTOS: 80th Annual Academy Awards Viewing Party Hosted by Derek & Daniel Koch with Devorah Rose

Hey There!

While Los Angeles' Kodak Theater was abuzz with this year's nominees and celebs, The Quest for "it" headed out to a very special New York celebration of the 80th Annual Academy Awards.  Managing Partners Daniel and Derek Koch threw a sophisticated Oscar soiree along with socialite Devorah Rose, at the French inspired hot spot Jour Et Nuit.  To follow are photos of the hip social set who attended the sumptuous private dinner and Oscar viewing--full report on its way.

Left to right: Actor/Model Teddy G. & Devorah Rose, Publicist Kristian Laliberte & Designer Nicole Romano, Writer Morten Davidsen & Kim Bates, Fashion Trend Reporter Jamie Thomas & Guest Andre.
 
*photos by The Quest for "it"

LA-Story.com:Damiani Hosts a Sparkling Cocktail Party, Glittering with Celebrities & Diamonds!!!

Damiani, a world renowned name in fine jewelry —finely crafted, uniquely designed jewelry featuring diamonds and colored stones— held their annual Oscar Cocktail Party at the Presidential Suite at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel on Thursday 2/21/2008.

This truly gala event featured not only models walking around showing off luxe pieces of jewelry to the guests, but museum displays of phenomenal designs that were so gorgeous and so amazing that the women could only sigh in envy and diamond-lust, and men sigh in relief that they weren’t in a store!

Silvia Damiani, Sharon Stone, Giorgio Damiani

This party was in celebration of the unprecedented 18 Diamonds International Awards, that Italian jewelry house, Damiani, has been giving and is known around the world for its extraordinary designs and exquisite craftsmanship. The Damiani name has become synonymous with spectacular diamond jewelry designs, and is favored by international celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow, and Brad Pitt to wear to special occasions.

Geena Davis

This star-studded party included Sharon Stone, Geena Davis, Paris Hilton, Noa Tishby, Sean Kanan, Shaun Toub, Tony Denison, Yvonne Scio, Lina Sastri, Jo Champa, Franco Nero, Katherine Kelly Lang, Michele Placido, Edoardo Ponti, Sasha Alexander, Francesco and Julie Quinn.
Many guests were still there till well past midnight. The suite was packed with people styling suits to extremely luxurious furs, and— of course— lots of diamond jewelry.

Paris Hilton

Giorgio and Silvia Damiani, who represent the third generation of this jewelry dynasty, flew in from Milan to host the elegant evening; enjoying the company of their celebrity friends as well as members of the international press, stylists, and many guests ftp, high society, and film & television.

Noa Tisby

Stylist Barbara Palmer, Anne-Marie Otey and I were there for the event, and it was stellar for the great drinks (a full bar and Bellinis were the favored cocktail of the night) along with served canapes, and a buffet of more savory bites for guests to nibble on. The rooms were packed with people— it was so full it was hard to move around in the main rooms. The smaller rooms had less people, but also held jewelry displays for people to admire.

Sharon Stone

On our way out of one room, there was a rush of people and noise... sort of like a huge intake of breath, and in walked Sharon Stone.  Less than 4 feet away from me, Ms. Stone looked every inch the movie star in an gorgeous orange gown complimented with a beautiful diamond necklace. The Italian press were very much in evidence — along with other news outlets— and so Ms. Stone graciously gave serious time to the media and provided thoughtful answers to many questions including about gifting jewelry.

Now that’s a real star sighting! Now if there were more events like that — Hollywood would start to feel like the film capital of the world again!

-Article by Stevie Wilson of LA-Story.com

*photos by Wendell Ruiz for LA-Story.com

The Quest for "It" -- Oscar Countdown 2008-Oscar Pre-Parties

                                                             Hey!

Well it's that time again, and not a moment too soon.  Sadly, the recent writer's strike has left our usual Oscars target (the gift suites) a bit barren this year.  Stevie Wilson of LA-Story.com told us, "writers strike and the last minute settlement meant so many suites (a lot of high-end ones) either didn't display (platinum guild for one) or scaled back quite a bit --even Stuart Weitzman. It seemed inappropriate and the suites weren't as fleshed out with products/vendors, and they were trying to charge outrageous fees."

So instead we focused on another favorite HOT topic--parties!  Pre-Oscar parties for 2008 have been fast and furious and range from luncheons such as Essence's Black Women in Hollywood Luncheon*** and LA Confidential's Pre-Oscar Luncheon with Kate Beckinsale to sumptuous evening soirees like Saks Unforgettable Evening Honors Hilary Swank,and Ebony's Pre-Oscar Celebration, and the annual Global Green Pre-Oscar Party.  It's a fanfare of pre, pre, pre, and with all of the buzz, how many actual nominees were out and about as opposed to resting up for Sunday?  NONE!  Save for legendary actress Ruby Dee who was honored at the Ebony Pre-Oscar celebration, and Best Supporting Actor nominee Javier Bardem who was said to be enjoying dinner at Tower Bar on Wednesday.

Other winning seen and be seen events included a Soho House/Grey Goose party which drew Madonna, Ashton Kucher and Demi Moore, Jessica Alba, etc. while W Magazine's Hollywood Affair gathered Jamie Lynn Sigler, model Lydia Hearst, and the spinning expertise of celeb DJ Paul Sevigny.

***- the first ever event brought notable attendees:  Jada Pinkett Smith, Gabrielle Union, Holly Robinson Peete, Garcelle Beauvais-Nilon, Kerry Washington, Paula Patton, Pauletta Washington etc.

*photo from Charley Gallay  Getty Images